What are the Texas emergency exit requirements in apartments?

 

A:

The exact provisions in effect at your apartment complex may vary according to your local municipal and county Codes. But basic requirements in Texas generally include these.

• Under Texas law, you must be able to unlock and open your apartment door from the inside without a key or other tool.
• You must be able to unlock and open common area emergency exit doors from the inside without a key or other tool.
• Common, or "public" areas of the complex must have emergency exits signs clearly posted in interior spaces.
• An emergency exit plan should be established.
• Common exit aisles (such as the interior hallways in a complex that apartment doors might open into) must remain accessible and unobstructed.

Special needs facilities such as nursing homes possess additional requirements. You can check the Texas Administrative Code for these requirements. There also exist some special provisions relating to window bars, window gates and other modifications. You might also check your local municipal code to see if your area has developed any additional safety requirements. Most existing emergency exit requirements in Texas rise out of the International Building Code and the local Fire Code of your county and municipality.

The emergency exit requirements intend to enable clear and easy egress from a structure in the event of an emergency so that you minimize your chances of injury. In the vent of a major fire, it is always best to exit a building as soon as possible due to the dangers from structural collapse. It's always good to take a moment to note the emergency exits and the emergency exit plan in the buildings your frequent and inhabit.

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